Barça's Abidal in Brazil to keep tabs on three young Sao Paulo players

The Barça sporting director is tracking Igor Gomes, Antony & Liziero

Abidal saludó a Dani Alves en Sao Paulo | André Hernán

Barcelona sporting director Eric Abidal is in Brazil to cast his eye over several young players. While there, he took advantage of his visit to drop in on Dani Alves and Juanfran in Sao Paulo training. His No.2, Ramon Planes, is also in Brazil for scouting work during the U17 World Cup.

Abidal was photographed by 'Globo Esporte', with the report explaining that he was in Morumbi on Sunday for Sao Paulo's match against Atlético-MG to keep an eye on three players.

The players in question are Igor Gomes, an attacking midfielder aged 20; Antony, a wide forward who is just 19; and 21-year-old midfielder Liziero. It's not the first time Barça have had a presence in Sao Paulo.

During the game which Abidal witnessed, Igor Gomes scored one goal and set one up -- for Vitor Bueno.

Planes

Meanwhile, Planes is also in the country. He took in the Copa Libertadores game between Flamengo and Gremio, paying particular attention to Rodrigo Caio and Everton. He will also follow a number of players at this month's World Cup.